That left former state Rep. Connie Pillich of the Cincinnati area the sole woman gubernatorial candidate in what might be a big year for Democratic women.

With former Congressman Dennis Kucinich expected to join the Demorcatic race next week, Whaley's exit will leave five Democrats seeking the nomination. The winner will face one of two Republicans — Attorney General Mike DeWine or Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.

In an appearance with Cordray at the Dayton Public Library, Whaley said she would continue to train her fire on a Republican-controlled Statehouse that she believes has abandoned average Ohioans by slashing funds to local communities and through other shortcomings.

"As mayor of Dayton, I've seen firsthand how the Statehouse crowd has turned its back on Ohio communities," Whaley said.

Cordray earlier this week teamed up with former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, who also dropped her bid for governor. That leaves Pillich, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, Ohio Supreme Court Justice William O'Neill of Chagrin Falls and, presumably, Kucinich, also seeking the Democratic nod.

Schiavoni released a statement praising Sutton, but saying Cordray is not the right candidate.

"Nan Whaley is a good person who ran an energetic campaign that was inspiring to young people, women and voters across the state. I consider her a friend," he said. "That's why it's extremely disappointing to see her endorse the 'anointed' ticket. This approach is why Democrats have been losing."

He added, "The reality is that Rich Cordray can’t win back voters we lost in 2016. He hasn't been in Ohio, and people will see he doesn't have any real plans. I'm going to make my case to Ohio voters. They should decide what’s best for their state."

On Friday, Pillich released a "Path to Victory Memo." It said the Democratic field is crowded with men, three of whom are from northeastern Ohio. Pillich is now the sole woman and the only Democrat from southwestern Ohio, it said.

"For the May 2018 primary, the Pillich campaign’s pollsters project the primary electorate to be a whopping 60 percent female," the memo said. "Moreover, that portion of the electorate is motivated, energized and ready to elect a woman."